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<p>Ethiopia is experiencing rapid urbanization, with an annual growth rate of about 4%. This growth places immense strain on urban water supply systems. This study investigates the capacity, governance, and operational difficulties encountered by 16 urban water utilities across various Ethiopian towns and cities. To achieve this, a mixed methods approach was employed, including 629 structured surveys, 70 key informant interviews, 25 focus group discussions, and 88 site observations. The data was analyzed using a combination of descriptive statistics and thematic evaluation to identify common trends and challenges. Key findings revealed that while piped water coverage in urban slum areas averages 88.2%, service reliability remains poor. All utilities faced water supply interruptions, primarily due to limited water availability, weak management, and aging infrastructure. Furthermore, 13 out of 16 utilities conducted regular water quality testing, and a mere 11 utilities have implemented pro-poor policies, which predominantly focus on subsidizing initial connection fees. Financial limitations, insufficient technical capacity, and inadequate coordination among stakeholders further hinder effective service delivery. The challenges are compounded by rapid population growth, the proliferation of informal settlements, and pollution from both industrial and domestic sources, all of which contribute to urban water stress. Improving the performance water utilities requires targeted investment in infrastructure, enhanced technical and managerial capacity, and strengthened institutional accountability. Expanding the use of digital monitoring tools, enforcing regulatory standards, and prioritizing marginalized urban communities are essential steps toward achieving equitable and sustainable water supply services in urban Ethiopia.</p>

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Water Utilities Capacity and Governance: Insights into Sustainable Service Improvement

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年1月15日

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  • Tilahun Derib Asfaw,
  • Zeleke Agide Dejen,
  • Seblework Mekonen,
  • Mamo Kassegn,
  • Abayneh Melaku,
  • Kiya Gezahegn,
  • Zelalem Abera

摘要

Ethiopia is experiencing rapid urbanization, with an annual growth rate of about 4%. This growth places immense strain on urban water supply systems. This study investigates the capacity, governance, and operational difficulties encountered by 16 urban water utilities across various Ethiopian towns and cities. To achieve this, a mixed methods approach was employed, including 629 structured surveys, 70 key informant interviews, 25 focus group discussions, and 88 site observations. The data was analyzed using a combination of descriptive statistics and thematic evaluation to identify common trends and challenges. Key findings revealed that while piped water coverage in urban slum areas averages 88.2%, service reliability remains poor. All utilities faced water supply interruptions, primarily due to limited water availability, weak management, and aging infrastructure. Furthermore, 13 out of 16 utilities conducted regular water quality testing, and a mere 11 utilities have implemented pro-poor policies, which predominantly focus on subsidizing initial connection fees. Financial limitations, insufficient technical capacity, and inadequate coordination among stakeholders further hinder effective service delivery. The challenges are compounded by rapid population growth, the proliferation of informal settlements, and pollution from both industrial and domestic sources, all of which contribute to urban water stress. Improving the performance water utilities requires targeted investment in infrastructure, enhanced technical and managerial capacity, and strengthened institutional accountability. Expanding the use of digital monitoring tools, enforcing regulatory standards, and prioritizing marginalized urban communities are essential steps toward achieving equitable and sustainable water supply services in urban Ethiopia.